| abstract | - SYDNEY, April 2008 -- Australian rower Sally Robbins missed selection for the Beijing Olympics in April 2008, ending her attempt to redeem her controversial performance at the Athens games four years ago. Robbins earned the nickname "Lay Down" Sally and attracted media attention around the world after she stopped rowing in the late stages of the women's eights final at Athens, lying down in her seat and costing her crew any chance of a medal in the event. Initially vilified, she later attained a degree of celebrity in Australia, then some admiration as she worked to rehabilitate her image and to regain her national team place for Beijing. Robbins specifically sought selection in the women's heavyweight quad scull, but after a series of moderate performances in Olympic trials races she was omitted from the Olympic team named by Rowing Australia. "Obviously I'm disappointed that I won't have the chance to represent my country in the double scull and have the opportunity to qualify and compete at my third Olympic Games in Beijing," Robbins said in a statement. "The past four years have been tough but I'm proud of myself and all that I've achieved."
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